SAG-AFTRA Slaps "Do Not Work" Order on TV Movie 'Keys to the City'

The basic cable project has not completed the signatory process, according to the union.

SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work" order to its members against Keys to the City, a basic cable movie starring Isaiah Washington that is shooting in and around Atlanta.

According to the union, as of two days prior to Oct. 11, the production entity “has not completed the signatory process.”

“SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services for this production until further notice,” reads the SAG-AFTRA order. “Please note, accepting employment or rendering services on Keys to the City may be considered a violation of Global Rule One.” That rule prohibits members from working for non-signatory companies.

A notice on a casting website, posted Wednesday, sought background actors (extras) for “a big debate scene” filming on Thursday. Per an IMDb summary, the film is about a young candidate for mayor of Atlanta.

The film’s producer of record, Keys to the City, LLC, is a Georgia entity formed in August and controlled by Tier 2 Films. Two of the apparent principals of that company, Tangie Black Moore and Ric Atari, who are executive producers of the film according to IMDb, did not respond to several requests for comment.

A media report said the movie is “reportedly” being produced for BET, but this could not be verified. Tier 2’s website lists BET as one of its “clients/partners.” A BET spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.